Autumn's Small Revelations

October is THE month of glorious color in New England. Mid-October gives us the golden reality of peak foliage in hues of scarlet, tangerine and warm yellow, but this change is progressive and the small, isolated bits of color start to appear in late September if one pays attention to nature. In my garden, the first deciduous plant to show color is the poison ivy that climbs many of the trees in the surrounding woodlands. This year it’s brilliant orange. The changing of the foliage is the most obvious change of the season, but even the foliage begins with just a leaf or a branch or two of color. The maples are often the first to show any inclination to change from their robes of summer green to the jewel tones of autumn. The swamp maple (Acer rubrum) above has one brilliant branch of red that’s quite difficult to overlook on the morning walk.

With the coloration of the foliage under way, there are many less obvious, often overlooked plants still fruiting and flowering in the garden. It’s worth taking the time to observe the small wonders nature has to offer. In my garden, the purple beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica) is covered with berries that seem impossibly purple. This small shrub could be underplanted with fall crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which would create a petticoat of lavender at the base of the shrub. ( Note to self: Underplant purple beautyberry with colchicums.)

October is also a month for mushrooms. I only wish I could identify the edible treats from the more common poisonous varieties. I’ll have to satisfy myself with photographing the many mushrooms that appear after the rain. They force themselves up through the woodland debris, often carrying bits of soil and duff skyward on their caps. I find them all intriquing and each is unique.

Evident this year is Mother Nature’s generousity with acorn production. It’s difficult to walk anywhere without crushing or slipping on the acorns. They’re pinging off the car in the driveway and off the windshield on the roadways. Does ample acorn production mean we’ll have a harsh winter with lots of snow? Scientists say that there is no correlation, and I sure hope they’re right.

Has acorn production been as vigorous and plentiful in your garden? What small wonders have you observed in your garden these early days of October?